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District 34 adopts K–3 phonics curriculum after pilot; board approves ~$300,000 initial package
Summary
After a multi‑school pilot and rubric review, the board approved adoption of the Really Great Reading K–3 phonics suite (Countdown, Blast, HD Word, Orbit) and authorized an estimated ~ $300,000 three‑year purchase and implementation plan with professional development starting Aug. 18.
The Glenview CCSD 34 Board approved a K–3 phonics adoption and purchase after a presentation by Dr. Silverman and district literacy coaches about pilot results, program alignment and implementation plans.
Administrators and coaches described a multi‑step selection process that used the Illinois Literacy Plan rubric, teacher and coach feedback, student pilot data (AIMSweb and NWEA MAP), and classroom visits to compare candidate programs. Two vendors were piloted; the district recommended Really Great Reading’s suite — branded for grades as Countdown (K), Blast (1), HD Word (2) and Orbit (3) — and said the third‑grade Orbit curriculum was chosen to strengthen morphology and multisyllabic decoding.
The district plans an August 18 institute day to launch implementation, embedded coaching, release time for team instruction and classroom‑level supports in the 2026–27 school year. Kindergarten and first‑grade students will receive one‑to‑one kits and consumable workbooks; every classroom will receive a decodable book library. The district emphasized that the online practice component is optional and capped at about 10 minutes per day.
Administration provided a rough cost estimate of about $300,000 for an initial three‑year commitment to purchase consumables, manipulatives, teacher materials and subscriptions; the expectation is the resource will be used longer term. Board members asked about implementation fidelity, professional development and how the district will measure outcomes after pilots; staff said a mix of embedded coaching and future longitudinal analyses will guide evaluation.
The board adopted the resolution to purchase the curriculum (resolution 26022) by roll‑call vote; the motion carried with unanimous ayes.
What happens next: Staff will finalize purchase orders, prepare the Aug. 18 institute schedule, and provide a plan for outcome measurement and coaching support.
